Chronic scrotal pain caused by mild epididymitis: Report of a series of 44 cases

Abstract

Objectives: Patients with idiopathic chronic scrotal pain are challenging to both the general practioner and urologist. In this study, we tried to recognize mild epididymitis as an underrecogniczed cause of idiopathic chronic scrotal pain. Methods: We described a consecutive series of 44 patients with idiopathic chronic scrotal pain characterized by mild scrotal pain, mild to moderate tenderness of epididymis without abnormal swelling of epididymis. We obtained a detailed history and physical examination along with routine urinalysis and Doppler ultrasound to identify the characteristics of this new clinical entity. Results: A consecutive series of 44 patients who were primarily diagnosed as "idiopathic chronic scrotal pain" came to our hospital. All had the sign of mild to moderate tenderness on the affected epididymis without epididymis enlargement. Doppler ultrasound showed the affected epididymis with normal size and no abnormal change. We treated them with antibiotics orally along with cessation of strenuous activity and all fully recovered from scrotal pain. Conclusion: In this study, we recognized mild epididymitis as an underrecogniczed cause of idiopathic chronic scrotal pain. It was characterized by mild scrotal pain, mild to moderate tenderness of epididymis without abnormal enlargement of epididymis.